Source: Harry How / Getty
As All-Star weekend fast approaches, the Rising Star rosters have finally been announced.
The game is set to go down on Saturday, February 17, and divides the up and coming players by place of birth: U.S.-born versus those who were born internationally.
The U.S. team features three players from the Lakers, including Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma. Milwaukee’s Dennis Smith Jr. is also on the team, and he’s one of the best rookies to come out of the latest draft class. For the World team, the young gunners from Philadelphia are dominating with Dario Saric, Ben Simmons, and Joel Embiid. Embiid is sure to have a busy weekend, as he’s also set to play in his first ever All-Star game thanks to averaging 23 points, 11 rebounds, and nearly two blocks per game. New York City’s own Frank Ntilikina will also be in the lineup.
Check out the team breakdowns:
United States
Lonzo Ball, Los Angeles Lakers
Brandon Ingram, Los Angeles Lakers
Kyle Kuzma, Los Angeles Lakers
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz
Kris Dunn, Chicago Bulls
Malcolm Brogdon, Milwaukee Bucks
Dennis Smith Jr, Dallas Mavericks
John Collins, Atlanta Hawks
World
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
Dario Saric, Philadelphia 76ers
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
Bogdan Bogdanovic, Sacramento Kings
Buddy Hield, Sacramento Kings
Dillon Brooks, Memphis Grizzlies
Lauri Markkanen, Chicavo Bulls
Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
Frank Ntilikina, New York Knicks
Domantas Sabonis, Indiana Pacers
Elsewhere in All-Star Weekend news, other players are still upset about not making it into Sunday night’s All-Star game. Portland Trailer Blazer guard Damian Lillard fired back at OKC’s Russell Westbrook, who thought teammate Paul George deserved a spot because “guys that deserve it—[who] should be in—are not. I just don’t understand. Doesn’t make any sense.” Lillard, who is averaging 25 points a game took offense and responded by saying, “I respect Russ a lot, so it was kind of disappointing to see him say that … but I know that I earned my spot this year.”
The new system has added some drama to the rosters, and it’s sure to get even crazier when the dunk contest participants are announced.
